Cedar trees have long been a valued resource in North America, admired for their distinctive appearance and practical uses in both the wilderness and the domestic landscape. These conifers, comprising both true cedars (Cedrus) and species commonly called cedar like junipers and arborvitae, have a rich history of use by various cultures. Today, they continue to be a widespread choice for property owners seeking versatile, durable, and naturally beneficial additions to their homes and gardens.
Aesthetic and Structural Contributions to the Landscape
The dense, year-round foliage of cedar trees provides a consistent green color and texture that is highly valued in landscaping. As evergreens, they maintain their visual presence through all seasons, offering a vivid contrast to deciduous plants during the winter months. This persistent, thick growth makes them an ideal choice for establishing effective visual and structural boundaries around a property.
Planting a row of cedar trees creates an excellent natural screen, providing privacy from neighbors or busy streets. Varieties like the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) have dense, often pyramidal or conical shapes that form a solid wall of foliage. This structural density also makes them highly effective as windbreaks, slowing down gusts and protecting more vulnerable garden areas from wind damage and desiccation.
Beyond privacy and wind protection, the sheer mass and density of cedar foliage can function as a natural sound barrier. The layered branches and needles help to absorb and deflect ambient noise, creating a quieter environment near the home. Different species contribute distinct visual elements, with the Western Red Cedar known for its elegant, towering habit, while the Eastern Red Cedar offers a more compact, bushy form suitable for smaller spaces and hedgerows.
Natural Pest Deterrent Properties
A benefit of cedar is its ability to repel certain insects, a quality derived from the aromatic oils concentrated within the wood and foliage. These natural compounds act as a defense mechanism for the tree and remain active even after the wood is harvested. The pleasant, woody scent is caused by volatile organic compounds, such as cedrol, thujone, and thujopsene.
These oils work by interfering with the sensory systems of specific pests, making the environment unappealing or even toxic to them. The strong aroma can disorient insects, masking the chemical signals they use for navigation, mating, and finding food sources. Eastern Red Cedar, in particular, is rich in thujone and is traditionally favored for moth-proofing due to its effectiveness against fabric-damaging pests like clothes moths and carpet beetles.
The deterrent properties extend beyond the living tree to various cedar products used around the home and garden. Cedar chips and mulch, for example, can be spread to discourage certain common garden beetles and fleas from inhabiting the area. Even the living tree offers protection, with Western Red Cedar being noted for the presence of thujaplicins, which help it resist wood-boring insects and termites.
Durability and Utility of Cedar Wood
Once harvested, cedar wood is prized in construction for its exceptional physical durability and longevity, especially in outdoor applications. The wood’s inherent resistance to decay stems from the natural oils and tannins acting as preservatives that inhibit the growth of rot-causing fungi. This biological protection means that cedar requires less chemical treatment than many other common lumber types for exterior use.
A notable property of the lumber is its dimensional stability, meaning it experiences less shrinking, swelling, or warping when exposed to fluctuations in moisture and temperature. This characteristic makes it a high-performance material for projects where maintaining shape is important. For instance, cedar is a popular choice for decking, fencing, and siding, where it maintains a flat, straight appearance over time.
The wood’s natural resistance to moisture penetration and its low density contribute to its utility in wet environments. This makes it particularly suitable for building raised garden beds, where it is in direct contact with damp soil, or for use in high-humidity areas. Properly maintained cedar structures can last for decades, offering a low-maintenance and naturally resilient option for almost any exterior home project.